Garry Ryan was born, raised and lives in Calgary, Alberta, and the city forms the backdrop for his books. He received a B.Ed and a Diploma in Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary and taught for more than thirty years in Calgary public schools. The fifth book in his Detectove Lane series, Malabarista, was published in September 2011.RTE: Describe yourself in a sentence?

Ryan: Iím searching for the perfect chocolate, have given up trying to stay out of trouble, and would like to walk another beach this winter.

RTE: What's the one record you'd take to a desert island?

Ryan: Something by Norah Jones.

RTE: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Ryan: It changed from month to month and year to year. Mostly I wanted to do something that would allow me to fit in. Fortunately, life didnít work out that way.

RTE: Who's your oldest friend?

Ryan: My brother who has a very different perspective from mine.

RTE: If I ruled the world...

Ryan: We would find a way to feed all of the hungry kids.

RTE: Which book do you wish you'd written?

Ryan: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. She elegantly connects the natural and modern worlds.